No prospect of weight loss - what can I do?

[AngelRain]

I am hypothyroid and have been on various meds for it for two years, during which time I have steadily put on weight, so that I am now three stone over my ideal weight.

I am generally feeling well, I eat a healthy, low carb, gluten free diet and get plenty of exercise, but I have been unable to lose any weight at all and am now gaining at about a pound a week.

Finally, last week, I got to see a dietitian on a referral from my consultant. She said she would do some research and she has just rung me to tell me that my metabolism is running so slowly that there is no prospect of me losing any weight at all and that also she has been advised by a colleague that I am over - medicated and need to reduce my meds, which she agrees will only make my metabolism slower, so it's a vicious circle.

The weight gain is affecting my self-image and my marriage, because I can't understand how DH could still fancy me if I am a size 18 instead of my usual 10. The way I feel today, depression will be the next thing.

Has anybody else experienced this situation and if so, what did you do about it?

[healstorturepeople]

I think you need to see your consultant again. I've not gone through this but surely there must be something they can do. Another medication or treatment. I would kick up a fuss until they get something done (in a polite firm way of course).

[GretaGr1p]

What exactly is causing your weight to increase by a 1lb a week? Is the medication increasing your appetite?

I'd see someone else. Yes, some medication can cause weight gain but no medication can cause you to lay down a pound every week in fat until...when? Forever?

I'd be wanting more answers to this if i were you. And i'd also write down everything you eat and the times you eat to see if there is anything you can do to cut back

[AngelRain]

It seems likely that the medication I am taking is, in the end, ineffective. My appetite is the same as it has always been and I have been watching everything I eat for eighteen months now, as well as reducing portions and upping exercise, so I really don't see what else I can do. I did a food diary for the dietitian and we have been through it together. If I were a diabetic patient who needed to lose weight, she would be asking me to eat like I already am, if that makes sense.

In this time I have probably seen half a dozen consultants, different one each time, and none of them seem to have the faintest idea what to do to help.

[ccarpenton]

I have hypothyroidism. I used it as my own excuse and put on six stone. I ate right and exercised ... but not really enough to fight it.

I fight now.

If you're definition of "upping exercise" is walking 1.5 miles instead of 1 mile with the dog ... then that's a good place to fight harder. If you are jogging 3 miles a day and still putting on 1lb a week. Then I really feel for you. It must be absolutely horrible and I would suggest talking to a different doctor. Even going privately as the cost is often worth it.